Thirty years is a long time to learn life lessons, but the most important ones tend to stick with us. In this post, I will discuss 30 of the most influential lessons I have taken away from my last three decades of life. Each lesson is a reflection of the work and experiences I have had in my personal and professional life.
1. Life is Short
Life can be long, but it can also be short. We don’t know when our time will be up, so it’s important to make the most of the time that we have. We should strive to make a positive impact and focus on the things that matter most to us.
One way to make the most of our time is to be mindful of how we spend it. We should be mindful of the choices we make and the people that we surround ourselves with. By being selective in our decisions, we can ensure that our lives are filled with meaningful experiences and relationships.
Another way to make the most of our time is to be present in the moment. We should be aware of the beauty in the world around us and take time to appreciate it. This can be done by engaging in activities that bring us joy or by simply taking a moment to observe the world around us.
Finally, we should practice gratitude. We should take time to recognize what we have and be thankful for it. Gratitude can help us stay focused on the present and be mindful of our blessings.
2. Take Risks
Life is full of opportunities and we should seize them whenever we can. Taking risks can open up new possibilities and help us grow in amazing ways.
One way to take risks is to challenge our comfort zones. We should be willing to step outside of our comfort zones and take on new experiences. This can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Sometimes it can be a blessing in the ugliest disguise.
Another way to take risks is to trust our instincts. We should be confident in our decisions and trust that we are making the right choices for our lives. We should also be willing to accept failure and learn from our mistakes.
Finally, we should be willing to think creatively. We should push our boundaries and explore new ideas. This can open us up to new possibilities and help us discover new passions.
3. Believe in Yourself
Believing in yourself is an essential part of life. We should have faith in our abilities and be confident in the decisions we make.
One way to believe in yourself is to recognize your strengths and weaknesses. We should be honest with ourselves and acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses. This can help us stay focused on our goals and be more successful in the long run.
Another way to believe in yourself is to set realistic goals. We should set goals that we can achieve and be proud of our accomplishments. We should also be willing to adjust our goals as our lives change.
4. Relationships
Relationships with family, friends, and partners are a major part of life. I have learned that trust and open communication are the foundations to a healthy relationship. It is important to develop relationships with people who can offer support and motivate us to be our best selves. I also learned that is vital to cut toxic people from your life, no matter if they are family members, friends or coworkers.
5. Education
Education is also a large part of life, and I have learned that knowledge is power. It is important to challenge ourselves and keep learning, even if it is outside of a traditional classroom setting. It is also important to be open to different perspectives and be willing to grow.
6. Career
Career is an important part of life and I have learned that it is important to take risks. It is also important to find a job that aligns with our passions and values. It is also important to have a strong work ethic and be able to work with a team.
7. Reflect and Celebrate
It is important to take time to reflect and celebrate our past successes and our life lessons. We should appreciate the experiences we have had and the people who have helped us along the way. We should also take time to celebrate our accomplishments and be proud of what we have achieved.
8. Live in the Moment
We should live in the moment and appreciate the world around us. We should be mindful of our choices and be present in the moment. This will help us to live our lives with purpose and make the most of our time.
We should also strive to be kind to one another and practice empathy. We should be understanding of other people’s feelings and be willing to lend a helping hand. Being kind can help us to build meaningful relationships and can have a positive impact on the world around us.
9. The Power of Choice
Life is all about the choices you make. You have the power to choose how you want to live it, and the decisions you make will determine the course of your life. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. You may not always make the right decision, but it can lead to growth and learning.
10. Embrace Change
Change is inevitable, and it can be scary. But it can also be a good thing. Embracing change can lead to new opportunities and experiences.
11. Learn from the Past
We should take time to reflect on our past and learn from it. Our experiences, both good and bad, can teach us valuable lessons. Looking back on our successes can help us stay motivated, while reflecting on our mistakes can help us make better choices in the future. We should also be mindful of the people that have helped us along the way, and take time to appreciate them for their kindness and support. We should also learn from the entire human past, evaluating what was wrong thousands of years ago and is still happening today, and how we can improve or completely change it.
12. Appreciate the Little Things
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the small moments. A smile from a stranger, a beautiful sunset, or a hug from a loved one can bring a sense of joy and peace.
13. Resilience
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience. Life is full of hardships, but it’s how you choose to react to them that matters. Whenever I’ve faced tough times, I’ve remembered that I’m strong enough to overcome anything that comes my way. Use that problem or issue as a tool for growth and don’t let it shake you.
14. Family
Another lesson that I’ve learned is the value of family. I’m so thankful for the support and love that I’ve been given throughout my life. Family can be an anchor and provide a sense of comfort during the most difficult times. I’ve learned that family is not necessarily the group of people you’ve been born into, but the group of people that supports you. For me family is the group of people spread throughout the world that were there for me even in the toughest times and supported me unconditionally. With some of these people I still never met face to face, but we have each other’s back, something that I didn’t experience with my birth family.
15. Kindness
I’ve learned the power of kindness. Over the past 30 years, I’ve seen how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Whether it’s checking in on an old friend or helping a neighbor, it’s important to remember that kindness can have a lasting impact.
16. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Physical health is important, but prioritizing your mental health is just as important, if not more so. Taking time to reflect, meditate, and relax can have a hugely positive impact on your life.
17. Let Go of What You Cannot Control
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to control every situation. However, it’s important to realize that you can only control your own actions and reactions. Learning to let go of what you cannot control can lead to a much more peaceful life and understanding that in the majority of cases wasn’t even your fault.
18. Seek Out New Experiences
It can be easy to get stuck in a routine, but it’s important to find ways to mix things up and try new things. Taking a class, trying a new hobby, or taking a trip can open up your eyes to a world of possibilities.
19. Cultivate Gratitude
Gratitude is an attitude that can transform your life. It’s easy to get caught up in your own problems and forget to appreciate the things you have. I’ve learned to cultivate gratitude in my life and to appreciate the small things.
20. Find Your Passion
Finding your passion is one of the most important things you can do. It doesn’t have to be something you do for a living, it can be something you do for yourself. I’ve learned to find joy in the things I’m passionate about. In my case, my passion is my career, but for you, your passion can be what helps you relax after a long week.
21. Don’t Take Anything for Granted
Life is fragile and can change in an instant. Don’t take anything for granted, especially the people in your life. Show them how much you care and make sure to tell them how much you appreciate them.
22. Take Time to Reflect
It’s important to take time to reflect on your life and where you are. Take the time to look back and celebrate your accomplishments, but also be honest with yourself about your failures and what you can do better.
23. Stay Connected
Maintaining relationships with the people you care about is essential to your mental health and well-being. Take the time to reach out to your family and friends and stay connected to the people that are important to you.
24. Letting Go
Letting go of the things that don’t serve us is a necessary part of growth. Whether it’s toxic relationships, limiting beliefs, or unhealthy habits, it’s important to learn how to let go of the things that are holding us back. When we learn to let go, we make room for new experiences and opportunities that can help us lead a more fulfilling life.
25. Self-Care
Taking care of ourselves is essential for leading a healthy and fulfilled life. Whether it’s taking time to relax, getting enough sleep, or simply taking a break when needed, self-care is a necessary part of our physical and mental wellbeing. When we prioritize our own needs, we are better able to care for those around us.
26. Find Balance
It’s important to find balance in life. I’ve learned that too much of anything can be detrimental. Balance means taking time for yourself, your relationships, and your work. It means finding a way to juggle the demands of life without sacrificing too much of your own wellbeing.
27. It’s All an Illusion
It wouldn’t be me if I wouldn’t end the list with this lesson that I’ve learned after 30 years in this lifetime. It’s all an illusion, a game, a virtual reality, or a simulation. We may call it whatever we want, but the truth is that we are not limited to this body, this career, or this appearance. We are so much more than what the world perceives us to be. We are infinite souls with an unending capacity for growth and evolution. Our true selves have no boundaries and cannot be contained. We are far more than what the eye can see, and we must strive to find our true place in this world.
In the end, whether you’re 30 or 50 or 80 years old, life is a journey. It’s full of highs and lows, and the way we choose to perceive our experiences will ultimately shape our lives. Live with intention, take risks, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Life is too short to do anything else. Hopefully, in 2023, many more people will awaken, see the truth about the world and the system, and finally understand our true power.
Ally Fortis 